Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Steering column replacement (New column from Iditit/FlamingRiver)
| Steering column replacement [message #115769] |
Sat, 19 February 2011 23:18  |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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Has anyone bought a new steering column from Iditit or Flaming River companies to put into a coach? I searched the forum and found only rebuilding info, which I will need, if I can not find a direct replacement. I have play in the tilt knuckle of my steering column, everything from there on down has been replaced/rebuilt by JimK's crew. Also, what is the size/shape of the rod and the number of splines?
Thanks,
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: Steering column replacement [message #115771 is a reply to message #115769] |
Sat, 19 February 2011 23:58  |
Adrien G.
Messages: 474
Registered: May 2008
Location: Burns Flat, OK 73624
Karma: 1
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Nick,
I think rebuilding is the only option without a large cost. The length of the lower section is the challenge.
A car colum could be shorten by a shop, but they may not want to expose them self to the liability.
Find one that's good and swap the upper section, and with that you get the dimmer switch for free.
Adrien & Jenny Genesoto
75 Glenbrook (26-3) Mods LS3.70 FD / Reaction Sys / 80mm Front&Intermidiate / Hydroboost / 16" Tires / Frame Rebuild / Interior Rebuild
Yuba City,Ca. Text 530-nine-3-three-3-nine-nine-6
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115773 is a reply to message #115769] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 00:27 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Nick,
With the millions of GM columns in junkyards, there's little reason to go
aftermarket. Here are the instructions to make using them "easy":
http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf
<http://www.gmceast.com/technical/Sowers_Steering_Column_Upgrade_Repair.pdf>
Ken H.
Americus, GA
'76 X-Birchaven w/Cad500/Howell EFI+ & EBL
www.gmcwipersetc.com
On Sun, Feb 20, 2011 at 12:18 AM, Nick Roenick wrote:
>
>
> Has anyone bought a new steering column from Iditit or Flaming River
> companies to put into a coach? I searched the forum and found only
> rebuilding info, which I will need, if I can not find a direct replacement.
> I have play in the tilt knuckle of my steering column, everything from there
> on down has been replaced/rebuilt by JimK's crew. Also, what is the
> size/shape of the rod and the number of splines?
>
>
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www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115783 is a reply to message #115773] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 06:48 |
John Sharpe
Messages: 489
Registered: February 2006
Location: Texas
Karma: 1
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| Quote: |
I have play in the tilt knuckle of my steering column,
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Nick, that is a notorious problem and the very reason many of us have learned how these things go together. All GM, Jeep and some Chrysler products of this era have this same flaw. Something in the design causes the 4 retaining bolts to get loose. The result is a wobbly column at the knuckle. The fix: tighten up the 4 torx headed bolts. Problem is to do this requires disassembly of the entire upper column. Locktite will do the trick. Problem is you have to completely remove each bolt and they can be difficult to start; and, removing them later may be problematic.
John Sharpe
Humble,TX
'78 Eleganza TBI
'89 Spectrum 2000 MPI V-10
'40 Ford Panel Delivery TPI
johnasharpe@gmail.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115784 is a reply to message #115773] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 07:02 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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| Ken Henderson wrote on Sun, 20 February 2011 00:27 |
With the millions of GM columns in junkyards, there's little reason to go
aftermarket.
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Well in some parts of the country there may be lots of the proper years columns available. But not here in the rust belt Wisconsin. Stuff from that era is long gone from the salvage yards and anything from that era that comes into the yard is so rusted no salvage attempts are made, it just goes right to the crusher. I also have a problem with the yard closest to me. They want to price everything at 1/2 new retail cost. They also go nuts when I don't know what I got a part off of, and when they ask "what's it for" and I tell em 1974 GMC MH.
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115785 is a reply to message #115784] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 07:09 |
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USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
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G'day,
And then there's guys like Mark, Peter, and myself.
Ring - Ring - Ring!
"G'day, I'm looking for a steering column for a 1975 Cadillac or
Regards,
Rob M.
USAussie - Downunder
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Steve Southworth
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 12:03 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement
Ken Henderson wrote on Sun, 20 February 2011 00:27
> With the millions of GM columns in junkyards, there's little reason to go
> aftermarket.
Well in some parts of the country there may be lots of the proper years
columns available. But not here in the rust belt Wisconsin. Stuff from
that era is long gone from the salvage yards and anything from that era that
comes into the yard is so rusted no salvage attempts are made, it just goes
right to the crusher. I also have a problem with the yard closest to me.
They want to price everything at 1/2 new retail cost. They also go nuts
when I don't know what I got a part off of, and when they ask "what's it
for" and I tell em 1974 GMC MH.
--
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115786 is a reply to message #115785] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 07:19 |
midlf
Messages: 2212
Registered: July 2007
Location: SE Wisc. (Palmyra)
Karma: 1
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| Robert Mueller wrote on Sun, 20 February 2011 07:09 |
G'day,
And then there's guys like Mark, Peter, and myself.
Ring - Ring - Ring!
"G'day, I'm looking for a steering column for a 1975 Cadillac or
Regards,
Rob M.
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Yep - that will be a more available option for me after April 15th (and it has nothing to do with taxes). <grin>
Steve Southworth
1974 Glacier TZE064V100150 (for workin on)
1975 Transmode TZE365V100394 (parts & spares)
Palmyra WI
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #115831 is a reply to message #115784] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 12:54 |
pickle4k
Messages: 129
Registered: January 2011
Location: San Leandro
Karma: 0
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The availability of GM parts from those years has dried up in our area. The junk yards are turning cars over really fast and yards are diappearing (CA - EPA - CARB regulations). The cost issue is a valid concern, but so is safety. I don't like to wander all over the road due to a loose knuckle joint. I am almost happy with the handling of the coach and being the road rat that I am (love to drive) I want to GO when I want and where I want. I will spend the extra if that is what it takes. I took the coach, the week after I bought it, to JimK and had him rebuilt the front end. I knew that was the most important thing to be able to enjoy the coach. (OK a motor is important too- sorry about yours Dan) The cosmetics can be done one at a time as is needed.
Thanks for all the info sofar...........still looking.
Nick R. NorCal
76-23'Transmode-Norris
Rear Bath and
75-26' Avion
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| Re: Steering column replacement [message #115903 is a reply to message #115769] |
Sun, 20 February 2011 18:37 |
Gail Marks Cruiser
Messages: 125
Registered: August 2009
Location: Gold Coast, Australia
Karma: 0
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G'day,
Robert Mueller wrote on Sun, 20 February 2011 07:09
G'day,
And then there's guys like Mark, Peter, and myself.
Ring - Ring - Ring!
"G'day, I'm looking for a steering column for a 1975 Cadillac or
Regards,
Rob M.
Actually I do have a Flaming river column in my GMC.
It was installed by the PO so I don't know a model number or what it was designed to fit. I do know the bottom end was cut of and the original splined end, pinned and welded back on, with an engineers certification.
The previous owner was a fair bit shorter than me, so I found the driving position uncomfortable, I could put the seat back but then I could just reach the steering wheel. I ended up lowering the column, moving it up about 4" and extending the steering shaft assembly. Now it is very comfortable, but it would have been a lot easier if I had a long enough column.
I have deleted the ignition switch and plan to fit a ratchet shifter on the wall near the front window so I can remove the column shifter, spin the column 180* so only the indicator and hazard switch is left on it, facing the wall- a clean chrome column from the floor to the Lecarra steering wheel.A wast of time and money...probably but it is one of those I can do it so I will things.
Mark Bennett
Gail & Mark's Cruiser
Gold Coast, Australia.
Motorhoming Lifestyle.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189639 is a reply to message #115773] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 15:36 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Hi all - my steering column works find, but rattles from the mid-lower part and now wobbles up top. Found a couple of bearings on the floor as well. So following up on this thread I read the Sowers pdf but am confused about the prospect of simply swapping the column for one that includes the multifunction stalk - pdf notes 1990-1995 safari/astra vans.
Can you use such a column and swap the whole thing without modification, or is the prescription to only use the upper portion (above the tilt)?
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189649 is a reply to message #189639] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 17:13 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jeff,
You must swap only the upper portion -- from the pivot up. The lower
column is unique to the motorhome.
Ken H.
On Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 4:36 PM, jeff sugheir wrote:
>
>
> Hi all - my steering column works find, but rattles from the mid-lower
> part and now wobbles up top. Found a couple of bearings on the floor as
> well. So following up on this thread I read the Sowers pdf but am confused
> about the prospect of simply swapping the column for one that includes the
> multifunction stalk - pdf notes 1990-1995 safari/astra vans.
>
> Can you use such a column and swap the whole thing without modification,
> or is the prescription to only use the upper portion (above the tilt)?
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189660 is a reply to message #189649] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 18:05 |
xplorid
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Location: Boise
Karma: 0
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Thanks Ken, the statement of confusion is "if you want to move the dimmer from the floor to the column, you might as well get the whole column". Is there wiring or other mechanisms that need to be pulled from the lower portion so you can get dimmer functionality from the multi function switch on the "new" upper portion?
1974/94 GMCII by Explorer
Manny 6.5 TD Al radiator
1 ton front 4 bags back
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189662 is a reply to message #189660] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 18:09 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Jeff,
Yes, the dimmer switch is on the lower column, operated by a rod from the
lever, so you need to get the switch, associated wiring, and rod too.
That's about all I know about it though.
Ken H.
On Thu, Nov 8, 2012 at 7:05 PM, jeff sugheir wrote:
>
> Thanks Ken, the statement of confusion is "if you want to move the dimmer
> from the floor to the column, you might as well get the whole column". Is
> there wiring or other mechanisms that need to be pulled from the lower
> portion so you can get dimmer functionality from the multi function switch
> on the "new" upper portion?
> --
>
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Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189667 is a reply to message #189664] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 18:42 |
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Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
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| ahamilto wrote on Thu, 08 November 2012 19:17 |
Other than the floor switch being subjected to corrosion from mud and snow tracked onto it decreasing its life expectancy, why would anyone (with a functional left foot) prefer a hand-operated dimmer switch? It's dark and hard to see, and you have a closing speed between you and the oncoming tractor trailer of 110 mph or so. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LOOSEN YOUR GRIP OR CHANGE YOUR HAND POSITION ON THE WHEEL TO OPERATE THE DIMMER?
I never understood the migration from the floor to a handle on the steering column. Fortunately, I'll bet someone here is just waiting to enlighten me.
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Aham,
Simply because that is how it was done in Europe. Of course someone forgot to include the fact that in much of Europe there was a requirement to flash headlights when passing and some other occasions. After all, if that is how they do it, it must be better. The increased complexity and component count don't mean anything. (Our beams are switched at full power right there on the floor. 1 switch) So, adding the extra wiring and relays just make the system more cultured and sophisticated.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189671 is a reply to message #189669] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 20:03 |
Kosier
Messages: 834
Registered: February 2008
Karma: 1
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There's no wiring change and no relays added. Personally, I didn't like
pawing around on the floor with my left foot, trying to find the switch, to
be a pain.
It's been such a long time since we had floor switches, it's a natural
action to use a column-mounted switch.
Gary Kosier
77PB & 77EL2 both with column switches.
Newark, Oh
-----Original Message-----
From: A.
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 8:17 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement
Matt Colie wrote on Thu, 08 November 2012 18:42
> Aham,
> Simply because that is how it was done in Europe. Of course someone
> forgot to include the fact that in much of Europe there was a requirement
> to flash headlights when passing and some other occasions. After all, if
> that is how they do it, it must be better. The increased complexity and
> component count don't mean anything. (Our beams are switched at full
> power right there on the floor. 1 switch) So, adding the extra wiring and
> relays just make the system more cultured and sophisticated.
>
> Matt
Well, in that case, I'm on board with it. Now I question why I ever thought
the floor switch made any sense at all.
--
'73 23' Sequoia
UA (Upper Alabama)
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189673 is a reply to message #189671] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 20:16 |
kelvin
Messages: 608
Registered: February 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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What Gary said.
I drove a '65 Chevy PU and a '71 Impala (Dad's) in my youth and those
foot switches seems to fall right to... foot. It was positively
annoying to find that sucker in the GMC. And if you buy Ken H's
electric wiper motor upgrade you have wiper/washer controls right there,
too. And the cruise control works well with the aftermarket Rostra I
installed.
And while you're at it why not buy a Cadillac telescoping column and get
that upgrade, too! (although I don't see much advantage for me)
All that just to get rid of that floor mounted switch - and well worth
it. :^)
Just sayin'...
Kelvin
'73 23' in Eugene, OR
On 11/8/2012 6:03 PM, Kosier wrote:
> There's no wiring change and no relays added. Personally, I didn't like
> pawing around on the floor with my left foot, trying to find the switch, to
> be a pain.
> It's been such a long time since we had floor switches, it's a natural
> action to use a column-mounted switch.
>
> Gary Kosier
> 77PB & 77EL2 both with column switches.
> Newark, Oh
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: A.
> Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2012 8:17 PM
> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement
>
>
>
> Matt Colie wrote on Thu, 08 November 2012 18:42
>> Aham,
>> Simply because that is how it was done in Europe. Of course someone
>> forgot to include the fact that in much of Europe there was a requirement
>> to flash headlights when passing and some other occasions. After all, if
>> that is how they do it, it must be better. The increased complexity and
>> component count don't mean anything. (Our beams are switched at full
>> power right there on the floor. 1 switch) So, adding the extra wiring and
>> relays just make the system more cultured and sophisticated.
>>
>> Matt
> Well, in that case, I'm on board with it. Now I question why I ever thought
> the floor switch made any sense at all.
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189683 is a reply to message #189667] |
Thu, 08 November 2012 20:53 |
k2gkk
Messages: 4452
Registered: November 2009
Karma: -8
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Senior Member |
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As a person who was brought up in the snow/rust/corrosion
belt of the northeast, I greatly appreciate not having to
replace the foot dimmer switch every two or three years!
My left hand is virtually always at least resting on the
steering wheel on any reasonably current vehicle and the
reach to the stick is far more accurate and rapid than
stabbing away at an unseen foot switch.
Additionally, the stalk switch only switches a few
milliamperes of current and normally lasts for the lifespan
of the vehicle. Also, the relay/solenoid it controls is
virtually always sealed against water and slush and the
contacts are usually self-cleaning and better to handle the
higher current of modern headlamps more reliably than the
floor pedal switches.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ D C "Mac" Macdonald ~ ~~
~ ~ Amateur Radio - K2GKK ~ ~
~ ~ USAF and FAA, Retired ~ ~
~ ~ ~ Oklahoma City, OK ~ ~ ~
~~ ~ ~ "The Money Pit" ~ ~ ~~
~ ~ ~ ~ TZE166V101966 ~ ~ ~ ~
~ ~ ~ '76 ex-Palm Beach ~ ~ ~
~ www.gmcmhphotos.com/okclb ~
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
______________
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> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
> From: matt7323tze@gmail.com
> Date: Thu, 8 Nov 2012 18:42:20 -0600
> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement
>
>
>
> ahamilto wrote on Thu, 08 November 2012 19:17
> > Other than the floor switch being subjected to corrosion from mud and snow tracked onto it decreasing its life expectancy, why would anyone (with a functional left foot) prefer a hand-operated dimmer switch? It's dark and hard to see, and you have a closing speed between you and the oncoming tractor trailer of 110 mph or so. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LOOSEN YOUR GRIP OR CHANGE YOUR HAND POSITION ON THE WHEEL TO OPERATE THE DIMMER?
> > I never understood the migration from the floor to a handle on the steering column. Fortunately, I'll bet someone here is just waiting to enlighten me.
>
>
> Aham,
> Simply because that is how it was done in Europe. Of course someone forgot to include the fact that in much of Europe there was a requirement to flash headlights when passing and some other occasions. After all, if that is how they do it, it must be better. The increased complexity and component count don't mean anything. (Our beams are switched at full power right there on the floor. 1 switch) So, adding the extra wiring and relays just make the system more cultured and sophisticated.
>
> Matt
> --
> Matt & Mary Colie
> '73 Glacier 23 Chaumière (say show-me-air) Just about as stock as you will find
> SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
> _______________________________________________
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| Re: [GMCnet] Steering column replacement [message #189719 is a reply to message #189683] |
Fri, 09 November 2012 09:43 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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About 15 years ago, I made my first trip back to PA in years. My uncle and a friend of his drove down to Baltimore to pick me up from the airport. My uncle's friend was quite a jokester, and among other things, he told me that Pennsylvania was requiring car dealers to retrofit the dimmer switches no newer cars back to the floor. The reason? "All the blondes were getting their feet tangled up in their steering wheels". 
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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